McGrath fitness would be boost for England players

Michael Vaughan's men go into the fifth match of the npower series with a 2-1 lead and need only a draw to become the first English conquerors of Australia since Mike Gatting's 1986-87 tourists.

Their ambitions may be hampered somewhat by the return of 35-year-old McGrath, who, no doubt inspired by his previous returns in Ashes battles and the fast-bowling masterclass he gave at Lord's in the opening contest, predicted an Australian whitewash.

Since that man-of-the-match display in late July, however, McGrath has missed two of the next three encounters, initially an ankle injury accounting for his absence at Edgbaston before an elbow problem struck in the build-up to Trent Bridge.

The majority of those in the stands or watching on television next Thursday may wish for further aches and pains for a veteran of 131 wickets in 24 Ashes appearances, 17 of which have been won and only four lost.

But England's players, buoyed by their recent form, want to face McGrath - who is far from certain to be fit - and a full-strength Australia to ensure a fitting finale to one of the great series in Test history.

''I believe that's the feeling in the changing room,'' said Ian Bell. ''It doesn't matter what XI is on the park and in a way it would be nice to see Glenn McGrath playing at the Oval.

''If we can regain the Ashes and their best team is on the park that's the best thing for us. That would be fantastic.''

McGrath has done his best to back up his 5-0 jibes with substance, claiming the man-of-the-match award in the first Test while his 14 wickets in two matches is on a par with fellow great Shane Warne's ratio of seven per appearance.

But Bell, who entered the series with just three caps to his name, added: ''We have our game plans and we are aware he's a fantastic performer and a class act.

''Whichever XI is out on the field we'll go and out play good cricket like we have done all series.''

Bell's inexperience cost him his wicket in the frenzied but ultimately successful chase of 129 for victory in Nottingham last weekend but he is relishing the challenge to dethrone the world number ones.

''Playing in this Ashes has made me realise what I need to do to become a better player,'' said Bell, 23. ''You are testing your game out under pressure, more mentally really rather than technically.

''That's what I've learnt in this series: every ball is going at 100 miles-per-hour and you've got to be switched on all the time.

''In future I hope - because of this experience - to play situations in a slightly better way.''

Each of the last three matches have shredded the nerves with England holding on for victories at Bell's Edgbaston headquarters and at Trent Bridge either side of a foiled bid to dislodge McGrath and last-wicket partner Brett Lee in the Old Trafford stalemate.

Only bad weather in Manchester, where Bell struck twin half-centuries, managed to dampen English dominance but there will be no thoughts of the elements evening out the share of fortune in the coming days.

''I wouldn't argue if it rained all week but I'm pretty sure, the way these last three Test matches have gone there's something else in store,'' said Bell, who features for Warwickshire in the C&G final this weekend. ''I'm pretty sure it will be a nailbiter again.''

l Former Test opener Matthew Elliott has urged Australia's selectors to consider drafting in all-rounder Shane Watson for the decisive fifth Ashes Test.

Current opening batsman Matthew Hayden has been on the receiving end of most of the criticism so far but Elliott believes a change lower down the order - with the introduction of Watson as a genuine batsman and bowler in place of Damien Martyn or Simon Katich - would be more beneficial.

''The selectors should consider bringing in someone to the top-six batting order who can also bowl," said Elliott. ''Not having Shane Watson in the squad has cost them. I would drop either Damien Martyn or Simon Katich and bring in Watson, because we need an extra bowler."